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This holiday starts in Oranmore, a village just 10kms
from Galway City, the capital of the West. The next
6 days are spent exploring Connemara cutting through
bog, moorland and lakes. There is dramatic mountain
scenery particulary when cycling from Clifden to Leenane
and Leenane to Westport. |
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Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday |
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Suggested Routing
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Please
be advised that one of the benefits of this independent
cycling tour is that you are able to modify the routes
to fit your cycling skill level and adjust distances
at your discretion. Due to the flexible nature of
this tour it is important that you have the contact
numbers with you at all times in the event a situation
arises where you need assistance. An international
cell phone is highly recommended. |
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Tour Details
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8
days (Saturday - Saturday)
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Cost
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May,
June & September: €470
July & August: €525
Single Supplement:
7 Days: €110
14 Days: €220
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Included
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Cross
Country Bicycle
Pannier Bag, Handlebar Bag
O/S Map 1:250,000 scale
Route information
Daily luggage transfer
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Accomodations
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Carefully
selected B&B's, guesthouses and small family run
hotels
Twin rooms with bathroom ensuite
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Meals Included
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Irish
Breakfast daily
Packed lunches available (supplement of 5 euro per
day)
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Route Information
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Challenging
route
Average 40 - 65kms per cycling day
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Situated on the eastern side of Galway Bay, Oranmore
lies under the shadow of a restored Clanricarde Burke
castle, which saw action in the Civil and Cromwellian
wars of the 17th century. Opposite it, beside the
Galway road, lies a megalithic, or large stone tomb,
of a type classed as a boulder dolmen, dating perhaps,
to 2,000 B.C. A more recent monument, a statue of
a freedom fighter, stands at the main corner in the
town.
Galway regional airport is nearby, in neighbouring
Carnmore.
Renvlle Park, just outside the village, is an ideal
family destination. Oranmore is a lively town, with
lots to offer.
PLACES TO VISIT
15TH Century Castle in Oranmore
Prehistoric Ireland can be glimpsed by visiting the
Dolmen, ringforts, round tower located
around the village in Oranmore
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PLACES
TO VISIT
Lynch’s Castle (1320)
Lynch Memorial, situated in Market Street.
Galway city museum.
John F.Kennedy Memorial Park.
Spanish Arch and Spanish Parade (1594)
The Claddagh.Reputed to be the oldest fishing village
In Ireland. Dating back to Norman times. Origin of
the ‘Claddagh Ring ‘
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ROUTE 1
In Brief
This route takes you along the coast from Galway
city to Spiddle and on to Ros a Mhil. We then turn
inland through bog land with some wonderful scenery.
There are some steep climbs with a great view of
Lough Corrib as you descend into Oughterard. Approx
distance from Galway 57km.
ROUTE 2
In Brief
Pay attention when you are leaving Galway City.
The cycle from Oranmore to Oughterard is on flat
land across well surfaced roads. This can be a busy
road for traffic.
PLACES TO VISIT
15TH Century Aughnanure Castle
Glengowna mineral mines.
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ROUTE
In Brief
The cycle today is long (approx 65km) but the
scenery is wonderful. We recommend that you take our
suggested routing. Please remember to bring drinks
with you, as there are very few shops on this route.
PLACES TO VISIT
Connemara Heritage & History centre. |
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ROUTE
In Brief
A wonderful day of cycling across Connemara. It
is very important that you bring drinks today as there
are very few shops on the route except the villages
that you cycle through. The cycling from Clifden to
Letterfrack (26 km) has some challenging areas. You
will be provided with suggestions for 2 routes, the
"upper" and the "lower" Sky Road.
The Upper Sky Road is only recommended it you are
a fit cyclist. The cycle has a very steep 2km climb.
You are rewarded at the top with one of the most breaktaking
views that Ireland has to offer. Alternatively you
can take the Lower Sky Road that runs along the coast
with some minor climbing. The views from this road
are wonderful with the Atlantic to your left and the
upper Sky road above.
PLACES TO VISIT
Visit Ireland’s only hand made Forge on Killary
Harbour.
Aasleagh Falls-beauty spot.
Doolough Valley, scene of the tragic ‘Famine
Walk’.
Location of the filming of John B.Keane’s ‘The
Field’
That starred the late Richard Harris.
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ROUTE
In Brief
Again, you will be provided with two suggested
routes. The direct route is approximately 30km. If
you have the energy it is recommended that you opt
for the longer route (approximately 50km). The longer
route has some dramatic scenery, some of the most
beautiful in Ireland.
PLACES TO VISIT
Westport House & Country estate.
The Clew Bay Heritage Centre.
Croagh Patrick, one of Europe’s best-known places
of pilgrimage.
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ROUTE 1
In Brief
The cycling on this route is very long and some parts
are difficult but the scenery from Killavally to Finny
is amazing. Most of the route is along the shore of
Lough Mask. There are some pubs on route so you can
stop and have a drink and relax. If the weather is
fine, this route is wonderful.
ROUTE 2
In Brief
This route offers a more direct cycle and is the easier
option.
PLACES TO VISIT
Cong Abbey- relic of monastery built by The High King
of Ireland Turlough O' Connor in 1120, for the Augustinians.
Ashford Castle.
A walk along the ‘Dry Canal’ rekindles
memories of ‘The Famine’of 1845-48
Cong is the setting for the film ‘The Quiet
Man’
This starred John Wayne & Maureen O’Hara
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ROUTE
In Brief
Today you have two options Cruise & Cycle
or just Cycle:
Cruise & Cycle
The cruise takes you from Cong to Inchagoill Island
and then on to Oughterard. You cycle from Oughterard
to Galway and then onto Oranmore. A brochure with
full details for the cruise will be included with
travel documents. Please note that it is important
to book your place on the ferry the evening before
departure. The cost of the cruise is payable directly
to ferry company.
Cycle
The cycle route is approximately 40km from Cong to
Oranmore. You will ride past the famed Ashford Castle.
A section of the route into Headford and Galway will
be a heavily travelled road. Please exercise caution.
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